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Scandinavian Almond Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 82 reviews

These Scandinavian Almond Bars are a delightful treat featuring a tender almond-flavored dough baked into crisp logs, sliced into strips, and topped with a smooth almond icing. This classic Nordic-inspired recipe combines the nutty richness of sliced almonds with a sweet, delicate glaze, making for an elegant and satisfying dessert perfect for tea time or festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • 2 tbsp whole milk (or low-fat)

Toppings

  • ½ cup sliced almonds

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ tsp almond extract (or ½ tsp vanilla extract)
  • 1–2 tbsp whole milk (or low-fat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer or by hand, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fluffy, which ensures a tender texture in the bars.
  4. Add Egg and Almond Extract: Incorporate the large egg and almond extract into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until fully combined for flavor infusion.
  5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the bars tough.
  6. Shape Dough Logs: Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Shape each piece into a 12-inch long log. Place two logs per lined baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for spreading. Gently press each log into a 3-inch wide strip.
  7. Add Toppings and Bake: Brush the tops of each strip with milk, then evenly sprinkle with sliced almonds for a crunchy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
  8. Slice While Warm: Remove the baked logs from the oven and, while still warm, cut them diagonally into 1-inch wide strips to form the almond bars.
  9. Prepare Icing: In a small bowl, mix the sifted powdered sugar with almond extract (or vanilla) and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth, drizzle-able icing.
  10. Glaze Bars: Allow the bars to cool completely, then drizzle the icing over them and let it set before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to help achieve a smooth batter and proper texture.
  • Cutting the bars while warm helps prevent cracking and facilitates even slices.
  • Store finished bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based butter and milk substitutes.

Keywords: Scandinavian almond bars, almond cookies, Nordic dessert, almond extract bars, baked almond bars, holiday treats

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/scandinavian-almond-bars-recipe/